Elijah 'Et' Thomas Lawrence

Elijah "ET" Thomas Lawrence, 87, of Marshallberg, NC passed away peacefully at Harborview Health Care Center of Morehead City on Saturday November 19, 2016 Mr. Lawrence made his living as a commercial fisherman. He took great pride in being the Captain of his own trawler, the "Merita D." which was named for his two sisters. He fished and shrimped from the coast of Florida to the Crystal Coast of Carteret County North Carolina, which was his home. He was the first Captain Downeast, to tow four nets for shrimping. His trawler was the largest in the area at the time and the first to have twin diesel engines installed. He was also a net maker and mender for many other fishermen in the area. Mr. Lawrence taught many aspiring young fisherman the art of making and mending different types of fishing nets. He contributed to and fought hard for the Commercial Fishing Industry all of his life. He was proud to be known as a Commercial Fisherman. Mr. Lawrence was one of the original Marshallberg Volunteer Fire Dept. members who started the Fire Dept. He was an active leader in the community and enjoyed many conversations with fellow fisherman, as well as friends at the Marshallberg Harbor daily. He loved Marshallberg and "the harbor". Mr. Lawrence was a devoted husband to his wife Dorothy of 56 years. They were virtually inseparable. He was a loving father to his four children, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his entire family. He was loved by all who knew him. A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Monday at Marshallberg Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Daryl Chadwick officiating. Burial will follow at Through the Woods Cemetery in Marshallberg. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Ann Lawrence of Marshallberg; three sons, Thomas Benton Lawrence of Marshallberg; James Elvin Lawrence of Marshallberg; Kevin Lee Lawrence of Marshallberg; four granddaughters, Sue Anne Lewis of Durham, NC; Jessica Rose Lawrence of Davis; Mallory Brooke Lawrence of Wilmington; Caroline Mackenzie Lawrence of Marshallberg; two great grandchildren, Kinsley Rose Spaid of Davis; Jayden Christopher Spaid of Davis; brother, Burleson Lawrence and wife, Mary Ann of Frogmore, SC; two sisters, Merita Eubanks and husband, Ivey of Marshallberg; Diane Guthrie and husband, Heber of Gloucester; six nephews, four nieces, one brother-in-law, Phillip Earl Golden and wife, Patricia Tester He was preceded in death by his and his wife, Dorothy Golden Lawrence, mother, Rosa Willis Lawrence and father, Benton Walker Lawrence. Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to the Marshallberg Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 6, Marshallberg, NC 28553 or Marshallberg Community Club, PO Box 55, Marshallberg, NC 28553. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.org Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC. Service Information Visitation Monday November 21, 2016 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Marshallberg Missionary Baptist Church 1049 Marshallberg Rd Marshallberg, NC 28553 Funeral Service Monday November 21, 2016 11:00 AM Marshallberg Missionary Baptist Church 1049 Marshallberg Rd Marshallberg, NC 28553